WAF London to showcase global architecture and design 24-27 June

WAF London is the first ever satellite exhibition and events programme organised by the World Architecture Festival (WAF) to showcase game-changing architecture and design from across the world.

Hosted by the University of Westminster, in association with the London Festival of Architecture, WAF London will be held from 24 to 27 June 2015, and will feature several programmes including talks and debates on global architectural issues with some of the greatest minds in the industry; and an opportunity for the public to preview the world’s best buildings and foremost architectural practices shortlisted for presenting to the high profile international jury at the WAF Awards, Singapore in November.

To be revealed just ahead of WAF London on 22 June, the shortlist features more than 400 entries from 46 countries. All shortlisted entries will be exhibited at WAF London, with selected finalists presenting their entries throughout the event.

One of the highlights at the WAF London exhibition space created by design partner Populous is a dramatic seven-metre high installation inspired by the famous Eames’ ‘House of Cards’. The Populous design uses hundreds of super-sized multiples of a ‘W’ form to create a magnetically suspended gallery that will display all the WAF 2015 shortlisted projects.

The four-day architecture event begins on Wednesday 24 June with a focus on Buildings and Building Types. The talk programme opens with ‘City Update: Singapore’ by Angelene Chan of DP Architects, whose numerous award-winning projects include the world’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall and the $6.5bn integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.

This will be followed by a presentation on ‘London and Istanbul Compared’ from Emre Arolat of leading international architectural practice Emre Arolat Architects based in Istanbul and London.

The programme on Thursday 25 June begins with ‘London Question Time’, a keynote panel discussion on the issues affecting the capital and the implications of the new Conservative government. Chair Jeremy Melvin, Curator of WAF, is joined by a leading panel comprising of Daniel Moylan, Transport for London, Crossrail Limited and Chair of the Mayor’s Design Advisory Group; Jack Pringle, Pringle Brandon Perkins + Wills; Lara Kinnear, London Festival of Architecture; and Peter Murray, Chair of New London Architecture.

On Thursday afternoon, Michael Heenan of Allen Jack & Cottier Architects, Australia, presents ‘City Update: Sydney’, examining Sydney’s future as a world city and the huge growth that is planned by 2030. Speaking on ‘Architecture and the case for the independent developer’, Roger Zogolovitch will be in conversation with Crispin Kelly and WAF Programme Director Paul Finch.

Talks for Friday 26 June begin with a conversation with Populous founder Ron Sheard on the architect/occupier relationship with their building. Ken Shuttleworth of Make and Nigel Morley from UBS join forces for ‘The UBS Broadgate Story – how a developer, architect and tenant came to create a new financial landmark’.

On Saturday 27 June, WAF London will be joined by LEGO to host a Family Day and student design charette, with inspired younger visitors showcasing LEGO bridges, towers and city squares fit for 21st century London.